CR-B Tech NewsJanuary 2017 -- Anne Pudenz

Welcome back! I hope everyone had a wonderful break. Only 10 weeks until spring break!! I can almost feel the warm Dallas sun....almost. :)

I am taking suggestions for upcoming Tech Tuesdays. If there is something you would like to learn, please let me know!

Before I get to the tech news, here's a quick look at my Christmas break....

This is my nephew, Abe. His first visit with Santa was a success. However, I'm sure he'll be screaming his head off next year!

Christmas at grandma's house...everyone was able to make it home this year.

I spent a lot of time playing with this little guy.

Technology news and updates

Since the new year is full of resolutions, I would like to challenge you in setting a technology resolution...try something completely new with technology this semester. It could be a new website, program, or app. If you aren't sure what to do, let me know....I'm here to help!

5-12 teachers: Please consider checking out the iPad Pros for a minimum of 1 week for 1 of your classes. This will provide the tech team with valuable feedback. The checkout calendar is available in my Schoology group.

For those of you that have not checked out the iPad Pro cart, I would really like to work with you. Please have an open mind...you might be surprised how much you like the devices once you have given them a chance. You won't know unless you try!

I will continue to incorporate the fundamentals of computer science into the elementary specials. I'm excited to implement this semester the training and resources I received from the Code.org workshop I attended in November. I have also done a lot of research on introducing programming to students in PreK through 1st grade, and the best option seems to be Bee-Bots. The school does not have a set of Bee-Bots, but I'm able to check them out through the STEM hub. So many ideas exist on using Bee-Bots in those grade levels, so if you are interested, please let me know.

I'd like to give a few shoutouts!

Jessica - Keep up the great work with the iPad Pros and Schoology. You rock!

Hannah - Thanks for taking a chance and trying something new with the flipped lesson videos. Not only did your students state they appreciated the videos for extra help, but you can use the videos for future lessons.

Barb - I admire your persistence with technology! Think of everything you have done since the beginning of the school year! You're going to be a master with the iPads and SmartBoard by the end of the year!

Cory - I loved being part of your Mystery Skypes!

Several teachers used the MakerSpace kit before break. While it does have a large variety of materials, some items needed for your project might not be included. If the item(s) could be used in multiple classrooms and/or used for multiple projects, let me know. I could work with the CR-B Foundation to purchase the extra items.

I would also like to remind you that I have 2 Swivl units available for checkout. Please notify me the day before you would like to use them, so they are charged and ready to go.

Tech Tuesday - January 10th at 3:35 in the Library

By the way, if you like this newsletter, attend my first Tech Tuesday of 2017! This was created with Adobe Spark. In Adobe Spark, you can create a page, graphic post, or video. This is an Adobe Page. All three are very easy to use and can be used in a variety of ways in the classroom. I also have many examples of student projects and assignments using Adobe Spark. I hope you see many of you at this session on Tuesday, January 10th, at 3:35.